Gwent news

Garden party pays off for Torfaen mayor’s charities

The mayor of Torfaen councillor Neil Mason held a garden party in aid of his chosen charities Crownbridge School, LATCH and Plas-y-Garn Residential Home (1188124)

The mayor of Torfaen councillor Neil Mason held a garden party in aid of his chosen charities Crownbridge School, LATCH and Plas-y-Garn Residential Home (1188126)

The mayor of Torfaen councillor Neil Mason held a garden party in aid of his chosen charities Crownbridge School, LATCH and Plas-y-Garn Residential Home (1188128)

Members of the royal family made a suprise visit to the mayor of Torfaen councillor Neil Mason's garden party in aid of his chosen charities Crownbridge School, LATCH and Plas-y-Garn Residential Home (1188130)

Members of the royal family made a suprise visit to the mayor of Torfaen councillor Neil Mason's garden party in aid of his chosen charities Crownbridge School, LATCH and Plas-y-Garn Residential Home (1188133)

Members of the royal family made a suprise visit to the mayor of Torfaen councillor Neil Mason's garden party in aid of his chosen charities Crownbridge School, LATCH and Plas-y-Garn Residential Home (1188135)

The mayor of Torfaen councillor Neil Mason's garden party in aid of his chosen charities Crownbridge School, LATCH and Plas-y-Garn Residential Home (1188137)

Cllr Mason said: “I’m really happy with how the event went and I’m hoping we have raised around £500 for charity. It was a great day and everyone really enjoyed themselves.”

Volunteers from Croesyceiliog School stepped in to wait at the event and the afternoon tea was provided for guests by Raspberry Catering.

Guests enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches, home-made buttermilk scones with fruit jam and clotted cream, and a selection of home-made cakes and tea or coffee.

Mayor’s Office staff and councillors Mary Barnett and Phil Seabourne wore masks of the Royal Family, to make it a right royal affair.

The money is still being counted and the total will be donated to the mayor’s chosen charities, LATCH (Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity), Crownbridge School and Plas-y-Garn Residential Home.

Cllr Mason said he chose the three to try to give something to both young and old generations. Crownbridge School holds a special place in his heart as it supported his sister, Beverley, who had Down’s syndrome and died at the age of 40.

Cllr Mason added: “The garden party is just one of many successful events we have held, including a onesie walk and a football event, and there is much more to come.

“I hope during my year in office I can raise £10,000 and I especially want to help raise funds for a minibus for Crownbridge School, who are in need of one.”

During the mayor-making ceremony, he said charity fundraising would be a key feature of his time in office. Cllr Mason succeeded Cllr Wayne Tomlinson as mayor of the county borough for the municipal year 2013 / 2014 on May 21. Cllr Tomlinson supported the Alzheimer’s Society, The Willow Foundation, and Ty Hafan in his year of office.